Navigation for Smart Talk
Writers' talks and lectures
Literary lectures from leading NZ writers
Collection items
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'If you don’t get your head out of a book, my girl, you’ll end up on Queer Street'
19 Jun 2022In a personal address tracing a lifetime of reading, the renowned playwright Renée explores the power of literature, and its role in shaping her own professional and imaginative worlds. Audio
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“Matua, you say that words can change the world. One word changed my world – guilty.”
7 Feb 2021In a powerful address, Lyttelton poet Ben Brown explores the impact of deprivation and cultural estrangement on generations of our boys, as well as the redemptive power of words. Audio
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The white castle of literature is crumbling, and it’s about time...
Reading and writing in the digital era is celebrated by Lani Wendt Young, who charts the increase in brown, Pacific and LGBTQ voices. More people then ever are reading what speaks directly to them. Audio
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‘Janet Frame – the closest thing we have to genius in this country’s writing’
3 Dec 2017Owen Marshall, the country's leading writer of short stories surveys his chosen literary form in his 2017 Book Council Lecture, talking of the authors who have influenced him, and his audiences. Audio
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Tala Tusi: The Teller is the Tale
In her lyrical and amusing 2016 Book Council Lecture, poet and academic Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh takes the listener from the book corner of the Avondale Salvation Army shop to Westminster Abbey. Audio
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2014 Janet Frame Lecture by Gavin Bishop
27 Oct 2014In the 2014 Janet Frame Memorial Lecture, Gavin Bishop explores memories from his own childhood, and talks about the business of writing and drawing for children. Audio
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2013 Janet Frame Lecture by James McNeish
19 May 2013Novelist and biographer Sir James McNeish offers a non-academic approach to the theme of creative non-fiction. During the lecture he raises two cheers for eccentricity. Audio
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2012 Janet Frame Lecture by Marilyn Duckworth
4 Mar 2012Acclaimed New Zealand author Marilyn Duckworth reflects on her own career and the change in the literary scene in New Zealand since she became a published writer. She is introduced by Jenny Pattrick.
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2011 Janet Frame Lecture by Joy Cowley
24 Apr 2011The lauded New Zealand children's author Joy Cowley reflects on the development of children's literature in New Zealand. She is introduced by James McNeish. Audio
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2009 Janet Frame Lecture by Wiliam Taylor - Part 1
29 Nov 2009The 2009 Janet Frame Memorial Lecture features the well-known author William Taylor, reflecting on a forty-year career of writing for children and young people. Audio
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2009 Janet Frame Lecture by Wiliam Taylor - Part 2
29 Nov 2009The 2009 Janet Frame Memorial Lecture features the well-known author William Taylor, reflecting on a forty-year career of writing for children and young people. Audio
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2009 Janet Frame Lecture by Wiliam Taylor - Part 3
29 Nov 2009The 2009 Janet Frame Memorial Lecture features the well-known author William Taylor, reflecting on a forty-year career of writing for children and young people. Audio